So, a deep cleaning is done when a patient has generalized inflammation, meaning their gums are puffy. There’s bleeding oftentimes. Oftentimes, the patient’s unaware of the bleeding but when we’re probing or the dentist is probing, they see bleeding. For what we call deeper pockets then in what would be normal or healthy, we know there’s disease here. The deep cleaning is oftentimes the initial part of the treatment because what we want to do is get the patient as healthy as possible before any surgery would need to be done. We don’t want to do the surgery in the face of a lot of disease, and oftentimes, the deep cleaning or scaling root cleaning can help prevent the need for surgery. So that’s a hallmark of what we want to do if that patient has pockets that are deep and require that. It gets them geared up for the surgery. It helps us give them an opportunity to show them what they need to do on a daily basis so the disease doesn’t come back.
St. Petersburg Deep Cleanings & Exams Keep Gums in Great Shape
When tartar and plaque accumulate around your gumline, it can trigger an infection of your gums. In some cases, a simple cleaning can restore your gum health. However, many patients need the help of a specialist to restore their smile. That’s where we come in! As an experienced periodontist, Dr. Crawford performs deep cleanings and exams in St. Petersburg for patients dealing with gum disease. With his help, you will:
- Prevent complications such as tooth or bone loss
- Restore your oral health and protect your overall well-being
- Feel confident about the condition of your smile
- Bring back your healthy pink gum tissue
- Avoid more complex procedures by getting ahead of the disease
Call 727-732-3173 for a consultation. To see what patients think of our cleanings, check out our testimonials.
Schedule Your AppointmentRegain & Maintain Good Dental Health With Periodontal Care
All of our patients receive personalized, comfortable treatments. When you come in for a periodontal consultation, we take time to get to know you and your oral health history before we begin treatment. You can trust Dr. Crawford to explain what’s needed to restore your healthy gums, in terms you can understand. He’ll speak with you, not at you.
Here is what you can expect:
- Dr. Crawford will do a thorough exam to determine the extent of your problem. This typically includes digital X-rays and scans of your mouth. He will also use an intraoral camera to show you the reasoning behind his treatment recommendations.
- If he determines a deep cleaning procedure is needed, we will perform a scaling process to eliminate the tartar and plaque near your gumline. We’ll numb your mouth, so you don’t feel a thing. For anxious patients, sedation options are available.
- Next, he’ll do a root planing procedure. It removes tartar, bacteria, and other toxins from tooth roots. This reduces your risk of any reoccurring disease.
- Afterward, he’ll discuss necessary follow-up appointments. Regular cleanings are essential to keep gum disease at bay. Dr. Crawford will coordinate any further treatments with your general dentist.
In addition to sedation, we have cozy amenities to give you the comforts of home. Heated massage chairs will keep you comfortable. You can also relax with a blanket, pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and TV while we work.
To learn more about deep cleanings and exams in St. Petersburg or to make an appointment, call 727-732-3173. You can also schedule online.
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a periodontal treatment that removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with periodontal disease, as it can help prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
The frequency of deep cleanings depends on your needs and the severity of the disease. Patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease may need a deep cleaning every six months to a year, while those with more advanced disease may require more frequent cleanings. Dr. Crawford will work alongside your general dentist to give you ongoing gum maintenance.
A dental exam typically involves examining your teeth, gums, and other mouth structures. It may include digital X-rays to check for underlying issues such as decay or bone loss. It is also an opportunity to discuss your concerns or questions about your oral health with Dr. Crawford and his team.